The Utah Mammoth secured a vital 5-3 victory against the Seattle Kraken on March 15, 2024, enhancing their playoff aspirations in a fiercely competitive Central Division. With this win, the Mammoth remain in pursuit of a wild card spot, trailing the Minnesota Wild, who currently hold a six-point lead for the third position in the division standings. The Wild’s recent acquisition of defenseman Quinn Hughes adds further challenge, as they join the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars in vying for the three playoff spots allocated to the division.
The game unfolded dramatically, beginning with a goalless first period that set the stage for an action-packed match. Mason Marchment opened the scoring early in the second period with a skillful move on a breakaway. Less than five minutes later, Nick Schmaltz matched his teammate’s effort with a breakaway goal of his own. The Kraken’s Kailer Yamamoto, a Washington native and former player with Seattle, found the net, but his initial goal was disallowed for goaltender interference. A successful coach’s challenge reversed the call, showcasing the Mammoth’s strategic acumen.
Marchment, who had only netted two goals this season prior to the game, doubled his tally with a second goal late in the third period, shortly after the Mammoth successfully killed a prolonged 5-on-3 penalty. Dylan Guenther added to the Mammoth’s lead with a classic power play one-timer, and the team sealed the victory by scoring two empty-net goals. Despite a late goal from Ben Meyers for the Kraken, JJ Peterka received credit for the game-winning goal due to his earlier empty-netter.
Head coach André Tourigny acknowledged the team’s progress, noting, “There are things to clean up defensively, but I think we’re progressing offensively.”
Schmaltz’s performance was particularly noteworthy. After an early season surge that placed him in the top three for NHL scoring, he experienced a challenging stretch of games with minimal points. His resurgence against the Kraken, highlighted by a goal and two assists, reflects his adaptability. Having played both center and wing throughout his career, he remarked on the adjustments required when playing in the middle: “It’s just a little bit different defensively… It’s a work in progress for me.”
The Mammoth’s effort to find optimal line combinations continues, especially with the recent injury of Logan Cooley, prompting Schmaltz to step up in the center role. His leadership was evident late in the game when he opted to pass to teammate Lawson Crouse rather than take an easy goal himself. Tourigny praised Schmaltz’s work ethic, stating, “He drives that line, no doubt about it… He works really hard.”
Another player making an impact was Kevin Stenlund, who also recorded three points, although two were from empty-net situations. The Mammoth have struggled with their power play this season, but improvements have emerged in recent games. Tourigny attributed these changes to a productive team meeting that sparked greater communication and collaboration.
He explained, “It started off the ice… The power play started clicking then.” The Mammoth’s recent success on the power play has coincided with Peterka joining the top unit, but Tourigny emphasized that the improvement stems from the entire team’s effort, not just personnel changes.
As the Mammoth continue to refine their strategy, Schmaltz provided insight into their evolving play style. “I think we’re getting more movement. We’re not as stationary, a little less predictable,” he noted, indicating a shift towards a more dynamic offense that can catch opponents off-guard.
A pivotal moment in the game occurred when the Mammoth successfully challenged Yamamoto’s disallowed goal. The decision, based on a thorough understanding of goaltender interference rules, demonstrated the importance of effective communication between the coaching staff and video analysis teams. Tourigny credited his coaching staff for their vigilance, stating, “It was a key call at a key time, and that turned the game around a little bit.”
As the Mammoth look ahead, this victory serves as a crucial boost in their playoff campaign. With the competitive landscape of the league, every point counts, and the Mammoth’s ability to capitalize on their recent performance will be vital as they strive for a postseason berth.